 Experts say the maze's design is similar to one in Chartres cathedral |
A mysterious medieval labyrinth made of earth and grass has been restored by conservationists in North Lincolnshire. The Julian's Bower maze, in Alkborough, is made up of twisting and turning paths that form interlocking rings measuring 44ft (13m) across.
English Heritage opened the attraction on Monday morning after returfing the site with hard-wearing grass used for football pitches.
Experts believe the maze combined Greek myth with medieval fun and games.
Others have said its design shares a similarity with the floor design in the 13th Century Chartres cathedral in France.
Pilgrims to the cathedral would follow the circular route, sometimes on their knees, with the centre of the maze representing Jerusalem.
The Alkborough maze has been a popular tourist attraction for centuries, but years of visitors walking over it left it damaged.
For the past three months it has been closed to the public while the local Maze Community, English Heritage and North Lincolnshire Council carried out the work.
Keith Miller, English Heritage's inspector of ancient monuments, said: "The Alkborough relic is incredibly puzzling and its survival is nothing short of miraculous.
"But by its very nature, it is both ephemeral and vulnerable. Visitors can help preserve the maze by leaving their heavy boots at home."
The restoration work was paid for by the South Humber Bank Wildlife and People Project as well as the Heritage Lottery Fund and Yorkshire Forward.
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The Alkborough relic is incredibly puzzling and its survival is nothing short of miraculous.
